Engel picks up NOW endorsement

U.S. Rep Eliot Engel has earned the support of the National Organization of Women as he seeks his 17th term in Congress.

“Eliot is a longtime progressive leader in protecting and expanding women’s equality, and is taking action against all Trump administration attacks on choice,” said Toni Van Pelt, chair of NOW PAC, in a release. “Now more than ever, we need his commitment, his legislative experience, and his veteran leadership in Congress.”

Engel describes himself as a lifelong feminist and a progressive defender of women’s rights. He is a member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, and has a perfect record when it comes to voting for pro-Planned Parenthood measures, according to a release.

Most recently, he co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act to end the unfair pay disparity between women and men, and co-sponsored the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act after the Republicans let it expire.

“As I have done my whole career, I will continue to advance women’s rights and women’s equality while protecting a woman’s right to choose, which is under constant attack by Trump and the Republicans,” Engel said, in a release.

“This fight against the forces of right-wing extremism — and against the rights of American women — is central to everything I stand for as a public servant.”

Engel faces a primary challenge in June from Jamaal Bowman and Andom Ghebreghiorgis, whose fundraising so far pales in comparison to the $1.9 million war chest Engel has amassed.

Bowman, however, isn’t finished collecting endorsements. Trying to become the only school principal to serve in Congress, the Westchester County administrator has picked up the support of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators.

“Throughout his time as the founding principal of Cornerstone Academy for Social Action, and as a committed member of our union, Jamaal has consistently led with conviction, empathy and immense talent,” said union president Mark Cannizzaro, in a release.

“Now more than ever we need candidates like Jamaal in Washington, D.C., to make certain our nation invests the proper resources and support into our future — our children.”